The Lion Does Have a Mighty Voice

So I missed my opportunity to see Vandana Shiva at U. of T. on Thursday. Was I disappointed -- no not really. I mean I really was looking forward to being in attendance but I rarely get disappointed. Everything in its' time.

For those who don't know of Vanadana Shiva or of her work I will direct you to both this video (to follow) as well as one of her websites: navdanya.org.



Any one so dedicated to seed preservation is all right with me.

So as I proceed with my own cultivation of the earth, atmosphere, and beyond; of seed cultivation, renewalbe reporduction of abundance I awaken a dormant knowledge.

I must thus return to the institution of composting, "mulching", and burning and often forgotten but very necessary aspect of cleansing and rejuvination.

COMPOSTING:

What Wikipedia has to say:

Composting is the purposeful biodegradation of organic matter, such as yard and food waste. The decomposition is performed by micro-organisms, mostly bacteria, but also yeasts and fungi.[1] In low temperature phases a number of macro-organisms, such as springtails, ants, nematodes, isopods and earthworms also contribute to the process, as well as soldier fly, fruit flies and fungus gnats. There are a wide range of organisms in the decomposer community.[2]

A biodegradable material is capable of being completely broken down under the action of microorganisms into carbon dioxide, water and biomass. It may take a very long time for some material to biodegrade depending on its environment (e.g. wood in an arid area versus paper in water), but it ultimately breaks down completely. Many contaminating materials not dealt with in common composting are in fact "biodegradeable", and may be dealt with via bioremediation, or other special composting approaches.[3]

...A compostable material biodegrades substantially under specific composting conditions. It is metabolized by the microorganisms, being incorporated into the organisms or converted into humus. The size of the material is a factor in determining compostability, reduction can speed the process.

Some people call this "Garden's Gold". Nature needs companions in soil conservation and renewal. So composting becomes a method of helping Nature do what is does but at a quickening rate. If done correctly, "biodiversity" being the key word here,

Truley sustainable -- organic agriculture -- is at one with the insects "bugs", pollinators, birds, animals, trees, and water systems.

Composting is recycling at its' finest. It's easy and it saves money! Of course there are methods of composting that combine knowledge of composting product "matterials used" and land. Though the act of composting is relatively simple there are some methodologies that need to be understood before one attempts to go forward with their own composting project.

Here are some online resources:

www.Composters.com
www.Compostguide.com
www.ciwmb.ca/gov/Organics

MORE TO COME